Rev. Daiken Nelson joined the Iowa City Zen Center community following the death of our Guiding Teacher Dainei Page Appelbaum, who passed away in July of 2022.
Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi began Zen Practice 38 years ago at the Iowa City Zen Center. Since that time, he has practiced with several Teachers within the White Plum Zen Lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi & the Zen Peacemaker Order of Roshi Bernie Glassman.
In October 2013, Daiken received Shiho (Dharma Transmission/Authorization to Teach) from Roshi Francisco “Paco” Genkoji Lugoviña, a successor to Roshi Bernie Glassman.
In November 2021, Daiken received Inka from Roshi Paco, the final authorization in one’s Zen training, by which one becomes a Roshi (“old/venerable Teacher”; “old/venerable Master”).
Roshi Daiken is also the Founder & Guiding Teacher of the Pamsula Zen Center in W. Harlem, NYC.
The Pamsula Zen Center has two affiliates: the Youngstown Zen Center in Youngstown, OH and the Pamsula Westchester Sitting Group in White Plains, NY.
Prior to focusing on Zen, Daiken was a Social Worker, working with the unhoused plus those with chronic mental illness & substance abuse issues.
Daiken is also founder of The Mandala Café, a nonprofit in NY which provides culinary training to those needing job training & placement due to challenges to finding and keeping a job; a catering business offering part-time employment and training for individuals in those groups plus a weekly community meal in central Harlem.
In addition to Zen, Roshi Daiken is a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Photographer & Artist.
Rev. Dainei Page Appelbaum, Guiding Teacher Emerita (1953-2022)
Dharma Transmission on June 28, 2015 at Ryumonji Zen Monastery by The Reverend Shoken Wincoff, Roshi, Abbot.
Zuisse. October 28, 2015
As of Spring 2022 The Rev. Dainei Appelbaum relocated to the Minneapolis area to be closer to family.
Rev. Appelbaum passed away on June 24, 2022.
We are grateful for her long service to our Sangha and for her continued example to us all.
Iowa City Zen Center 